Blizzard Sparks Outrage Over ICE Shooting of Nurse

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A 37-year-old ICU nurse was shot and killed by federal ICE agents in Minneapolis as citizens filmed the incident on their smartphones. The official account claimed the agents were attempting to arrest an illegal immigrant with a criminal record, and that the nurse approached them with a gun. However, the smartphone videos appeared to show a very different scenario, with the nurse holding a cell phone, not a weapon, as he was wrestled to the ground and shot multiple times in the back. The blizzard that hit the Midwest forced many to stay home and watch the videos repeatedly, sparking outrage across the country over the agents' actions.

Why it matters

The incident has raised concerns about the tactics used by federal immigration enforcement agents and the credibility of official accounts, especially when contradicted by citizen-captured video evidence. It has also highlighted the power of smartphones and social media to shape public perception of controversial events, even in the face of government narratives.

The details

According to the official account, ICE agents were attempting to arrest an illegal immigrant with a criminal record including domestic assault, disorderly conduct, and driving without a license. They claim the suspect, identified as Alex Pretti, approached the agents with a 9mm handgun, prompting them to open fire in self-defense. However, the smartphone videos appear to show a very different scenario, with Pretti holding a cell phone as he was wrestled to the ground by masked agents and then shot multiple times in the back.

• On January 24, the incident occurred in Minneapolis.
• A massive blizzard hit the Midwest shortly after, forcing many to stay home and watch the videos repeatedly.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.